European leaders will gather on December 18 for the last EU summit in 2025 to address Ukraine's funding, aiming to avoid a funding shortfall by mid-next year. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for coordinated action, warning of costly alternatives.
From November 18, Ukrainians can apply for the state's "winter thousand" at Ukrposhta branches. This expands the possibilities of receiving assistance for those who do not use "Diia" or receive a pension to a bank account.
Polish Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak announced the restoration of railway traffic after the sabotage. The repair of damaged tracks and overhead lines has been completed, and trains are running on schedule.
US President's special envoy Steve Witkoff will visit Turkey on November 19 to join talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Witkoff, who previously participated in diplomatic efforts regarding Ukraine and the Gaza ceasefire, met with Putin.
Russia again attacked energy facilities in Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Kherson, and Donetsk regions. In most regions of Ukraine, hourly power outage schedules are applied until the end of the day.
Over the past day, 151 combat engagements were recorded on the front line, which is almost a third less than the previous day. The most active combat operations continue in the Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka directions.
In Odesa, a pyramid-museum on Primorsky Boulevard was smashed overnight. This is the second act of vandalism in the last year, and the city authorities have appealed to law enforcement.
President Zelenskyy instructed to prepare for a Staff meeting and will hold meetings with government officials, the leadership of the Verkhovna Rada, and deputies of the "Servant of the People" faction. He is preparing several legislative initiatives and quick decisions for the state.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in Spain for meetings aimed at strengthening aid and bringing the war to an end. Tomorrow he will have meetings in Turkey, where he will propose developed solutions and work on resuming prisoner exchanges.
The US Treasury Department said that sanctions against Rosneft and Lukoil are already reducing Russia's oil revenues. The analysis showed that these measures are aimed at reducing the financing of Russia's military efforts against Ukraine.
Apple has updated its App Store rules, requiring app developers to obtain explicit user permission to transfer personal data to third-party AI. The company will reject apps that violate these boundaries.
On the night of November 18, Russia attacked Ukraine with four Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 114 attack drones. Ukrainian air defense shot down or suppressed 101 enemy UAVs, but 4 missiles and 13 attack UAVs hit 15 locations.
Bitcoin fell by 2. 4% during Asian trading, dropping below $90,000, which deepened its monthly decline. This decrease nullified all the cryptocurrency's gains in 2025 and affected sentiment in the digital asset market.
During the night, Russia attacked railway infrastructure in Dnipro, damaging a suburban depot and a station. The enemy also launched strikes on a number of railway stations in Kharkiv region, injuring a railway worker.
Polish Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński reported two acts of sabotage on the railway, one of which involved the use of explosives. Numerous pieces of evidence have been collected that will allow for the quick identification of those responsible for these incidents.
On November 17, the EU Council approved an updated mechanism for suspending visa-free travel for citizens of third countries. The amended rules will allow the EU to react more quickly to abuses of the visa-free regime, including new grounds for activation and a simplified launch of the mechanism.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha expressed solidarity with Poland after the act of sabotage on its railways. Ukraine is ready to assist in the investigation if requested, as this could be a hybrid attack by Russia.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sent a letter to EU leaders assessing Ukraine's funding needs for 2026-2027. This amount is 135.7 billion euros, based on the assumption that the war will end in 2026.
In the village of Iza, Zakarpattia region, enhanced anti-epidemic measures are being introduced due to the worsening epidemiological situation with viral hepatitis A. The restrictions will be in effect from November 19, 2025, for 60 days, with the operation of catering establishments suspended, mass events prohibited, and schools transitioned to remote learning.
The first photos of the new Volkswagen T-Roc R model, scheduled for release in 2027, have appeared online. The car will receive a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 328 hp, a mild hybrid system, and 4Motion all-wheel drive.
European Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius stated that Ukrainian troops could be deployed to defend the EU's eastern borders from Russia after the end of hostilities. He noted that the Ukrainian army has the most experienced military personnel in Europe.
The European Commission has offered Belgium significant guarantees regarding a €140 billion loan to Ukraine to protect it from the legal and financial consequences of using Russian assets. EU countries are ready to assume the risks of Russian retaliation, including those arising from bilateral investment treaties.
The European Union has offered Ukraine €90 billion in funding in the form of a grant or a loan backed by EU debt. This will happen if countries fail to approve the desired plan to use frozen Russian assets.
Russian "Gazprom" is developing detailed design documentation for the "Power of Siberia-2" gas pipeline to China, which will transport 50 billion cubic meters of gas per year. The cost of design work can reach 5-10% of the total budget, which is estimated at more than 30 billion dollars.
Ukraine has placed a historic order for 100 Rafale fighter jets. President Zelenskyy announced this after signing the contract at Villacoublay Air Base.
At the Inhulska mine, the body of one of the two miners who went missing after a hydraulic backfill mixture breakthrough and flooding of the horizon was found. Emergency search operations are ongoing.
The Presidents of Ukraine and France signed a declaration of intent on cooperation in the field of Ukraine's acquisition of defense equipment. This agreement is aimed at strengthening Ukraine.
On November 17, an unknown person sprayed irritating gas in Lyceum No. 33 in Vinnytsia, which led to the evacuation of students and the suspension of classes. The police are investigating the circumstances of the incident.
The 500 kV Veshkayma substation in Russia's Ulyanovsk region, a key element of the Russian energy system, was attacked again. This is confirmed by data from NASA Firms satellites and a statement by Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in France and met with Emmanuel Macron at Villacoublay Air Base. They will sign an arms agreement.
